Radebe kicks butt on Coega, East London

Ed Richardson PUBLIC ENTERPRISES minister Jeff Radebe has urged parastatal Transnet to speed up the development of the port of Ngqura outside Port Elizabeth and the extensions to East London harbour. Speaking at the release of Transnet's annual results, Radebe said "the development of Coega and the extension of facilities at East London Harbour are critical areas of focus for the current financial year, and we do not expect any delays in the implementation of these important projects in the Eastern Cape." Pointing to the full electrification of the line between Gauteng and East London, Radebe said Spoornet had embarked on an "ambitious programme to improve electrical infrastructure, rolling stock, locomotives, signals, stations and general improvements to strategic network development." The electrification of the line is critical to the success of the East London IDZ and the expansion of the city's port, which is a major vehicle terminal.